Patiala, April 11 -- Punjab recorded nearly five times the normal rainfall between April 2 and 8, an unusual wet spell for the month, which left standing wheat crop damaged across more than 1.3 lakh acres in the state.

According to data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the state received 20 mm of rainfall during the week against the normal of 3.3 mm - a sharp departure from typical early-April conditions.

The excess rainfall was caused by two successive Western Disturbances (WDs) that remained active over the region from April 2 to 7 and again from April 6 to 8, bringing widespread showers across Punjab.

The untimely rain, coupled with hailstorms and strong winds, led to lodging and moisture-related damage in wheat...